Novell has unveiled enhancements to its Xgl (X over OpenGL) graphics subsystem, which it claims will make Linux desktops more user friendly.

Xgl is a new core rendering technology for the Linux desktop that takes advantage of the latest accelerated 3D rendering hardware.

Enhancements in Xgl and the associated Compiz compositing/window manager technologies will help developers boost the graphical capabilities of Linux desktops, according to Novell.

Under the leadership of engineer David Reveman, Novell has sponsored the effort to develop the Xgl graphics subsystem.

The release of Compiz allows developers to create graphical effects plug-ins which deliver visual effects, including transparency and advanced animation.

For the first time, open source developers have the ability to easily add industry-standard effects like transparency and window animations to the Linux desktop, supported on the broadest possible set of hardware, Novell claimed.

Ben Bar Haim, vice president of ATI Technologies' software engineering division, said: "ATI believes that the Xgl framework is a fundamental building block for powerful new enhancements to the Linux desktop, and we are committed to supporting Novell's efforts in making Linux a viable desktop platform."

Brendan Eich, chief technology officer at Mozilla Corporation, added that the development demonstrates the kind of focused innovation that the Linux desktop needs in order to thrive in today's market.

"Users should expect to harness the full power of their modern graphics hardware in all aspects of their work and play, and Xgl is a major step towards making that a reality," he said.